A new atlas showing the environmental assets, cultural diversity and conservation

problems of the Greater Mekong sub-region was launched in Phnom Penh and around the

world on April 19.

Produced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Environmental

Programme, the glossy 216-page book gives an overview of the state of the region's

forest, water, animal and human resources, urging countries to work together to solve

trans-boundary issues.

Philippe Benedic, the ADB's senior advisor to the Mekong Department, said Cambodia's

Tonle Sap inland lake provided a vital food source and the Cardomom Mountains were

an important area for biodiversity.

With around 250 million people living in the region, Benedic said environmental and

poverty issues were closely linked, predicting that the effects of increasing agricultural

yields and water usage could have a big impact on economic growth.

Covering Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Yunan province of China,

the English-language atlas costs $40 for a softcover copy but will be distributed

free to key government departments and donor partners.

Hardcopy and CD ROM versions will also be available and anyone interested should

contact the ADB.